Cake Mix Cookie Bars
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These chocolate chip cake mix cookie bars are the four-ingredient dessert you never knew you needed. It’s like a taste bud party with a guest list of chocolate chips, cake mix, butter, and eggs. Who needs complicated baking when you can have mouthwatering magic in a simple, scrumptious package? Dive into chocolate heaven and thank us later!
Love chocolate chips? Honestly, same. Be sure to try some of my other chocolate packed treats like my Brown Butter Cookies, Edible Cookie Dough, and my S’mores Cookies!
Why You’ll Love These Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- Quick: From start to finish I was looking at under 30 minutes. So simple to make and in the oven in less than five minutes.
- 4 Ingredients: You really only need a few basic ingredients, most of them are kitchen essentials that you already have on hand.
- Customizable: I’ll touch more on this later, but there are SO many possibilities with this recipe.
This recipe is gold. I was lucky enough to have it passed on to me after attending a birthday celebration where everyone was raving about how light and flavor packed these bars are. The baker was beaming and enthusiastically proclaimed that it was a secret cake mix hack!
Turns out, the secret was one she was willing to share. These only use four ingredients and there are so many possibilities and customizations! In under 30 minutes you get a cake-like bar that is full of flavor. So perfect for parties or just a quick treat and will blow even the pickiest eaters mind. Save this for the next time you’re in need of a sweet fix! You won’t be disappointed.
3 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Ready to see what you need? You’ll be blown away with how simple these bars truly are and want to keep cake mix on hand ALWAYS. Here’s what you will need to get started:
- Cake Mix: I opted for a yellow cake mix, purely because it’s the one I have on hand at most times. You can use ANY cake mix for this recipe!
- Butter: I tested these bars with both salted and unsalted butter. We liked the unsalted butter a smidge better, mainly due to the fact that a cake mix already has added salt. However, you could also use cooking oil if you are in a pinch.
- Eggs: Two large eggs are what help give these bars structure.
- Mix-Ins: Optional, but worthy of considering. For this recipe, specifically, I used chocolate chips. However, you could consider sprinkles, chocolate coated candies, chopped nuts, dried fruits, coconut, or even crushed oreo cookies!
How To Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars With A Cake Mix
- PREP: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 9×13 pan, or a quarter sheet pan, and set aside while you prepare the dough.
- DOUGH: Melt the butter. I like to put the butter into my mixing bowl first, cover with the wrapper, and melt in the microwave for 30ish seconds. From there, stir in the cake mix and eggs until your dough begins to form. It’s helpful to use a hand mixer, but not necessary.
- EXTRAS: From here, you can add chocolate chips or any extra mix in options.
- BAKE: Spread into the parchment lined pan and spread the dough into an even layer. Pro tip: use binder clips to hold the parchment in place while spreading the dough. Bake 15-18 minutes, or until the cookie is lightly browned and cooked in the center.
- ENJOY: Carefully remove the cookie from the pan, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Helpful Tools
- Quarter Sheet Pan: Necessary? No. However, a quarter sheet pan (affiliate) can help give you the perfect thickness for these cookie bars!
- Mixing Bowls: I have a nesting mixing bowl set (affiliate) that stacks beautifully. Space saving and tons of sizes included!
- Whisk: May seem obvious, but this specific whisk spatula combo (affiliate) is ideal for cookie and cake making! You can scrape the sides and mix the batter without the need for extra equipment.
Recipe Notes:
Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix to make cookie bars. Popular flavors include chocolate, vanilla, yellow, and red velvet.
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Yes, you can freeze cake mix cookie bars. Once they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Absolutely! Adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits can enhance the flavor and texture of the cookie bars. Use about 1 cup of mix-ins and fold them into the batter before baking.
Yes, you can use oil as a substitute for melted butter. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the cookie bars may be slightly different. Melted butter adds richness, while oil may yield a slightly lighter texture.
More Must Try Bar Recipes
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cookie bars
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter (melted)
- 1 (15.25oz) box cake mix (dry)
- 2 large eggs
- 1-2 cups chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 pan, or quarter sheet pan, with parchment paper for easy clean up and set aside.
- Whisk together the melted butter, cake mix, eggs, and chocolate chips until fully combined, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Spread the cookie dough into the prepared pan into an even layer. I use a silicone spatula to help get a smooth layer.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the bars are lightly browned or cooked in the center.
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
